Course overview
In year one, the apprentice develops into a proficient research assistant, exploring the core elements of social research, its significance for stakeholders and its value to clients. They support research projects using digital tools and software, effectively communicating outcomes through written reports and presentations. They analyse qualitative data, and use systematic secondary research tools and techniques to support projects.
In year two, the apprentice delves deeper into research methodologies, including quantitative research. They explore social theory, policy and its practical application, positioning them as competent leaders for social research initiatives. They gain hands-on experience in planning, budgeting and nurturing effective team dynamics.
During their third year, the apprentice engages with critical social policy studies, and gains expertise in building social research projects that meet with professional standards and ethical guidelines. They develop the ability to efficiently co-lead workplace projects, taking charge of managing client relationships and subcontractor interactions.
Towards the end of the course, the apprentice operates autonomously as a skilful social researcher, proficiently leading increasingly intricate research projects while confidently managing stakeholders, team members and subcontractors.
They deepen their knowledge of data analysis, mastering descriptive and bivariate analysis techniques for quantitative data, including statistical significance tests. Apprentices also develop essential skills in personnel management, stakeholder engagement and contractor coordination.
Please note, we can only respond to enquiries from employers, or individuals with agreement from their employer to undertake an apprenticeship.
* Subject to University approval
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Develop your academic skills, knowledge and understanding to support successful study in a higher education learning environment. You also develop personal and transferable study skills such as searching for and retrieving information, evaluating different types of evidence, critical thinking skills, note-taking and summarising evidence, presentation skills, group work, digital learning and employability.
Use existing academic opinions and data sets to develop as a social researcher. You also investigate academic debate in peer-reviewed books and journal articles through a variety of case studies.
Develop the necessary skills to analyse, conduct and assess qualitative social research. You analyse the strengths and weaknesses of a range of research methods, and explore key theoretical approaches to designing qualitative research, with practical experience in collecting and analysing data.
Social Theory, Policy and Practice
You study a range of classical and contemporary social theories to understand the development and progression of various theoretical frameworks in their social, cultural and political contexts.
This is a 20-credit module.
Year 2 core modules
Build your confidence and competence in using a range of methods to design social research. Examine the philosophical roots of quantitative methods, consider social research as a process, discuss practical, ethical and methodological issues in research, and engage in exercises to foster skills in empirical data analysis, interpretation and report writing. Gain the applied methodological and statistical proficiency needed to evaluate research and produce rigorous research of their own.
Research Skills for Social Scientists
Develop a more advanced understanding of research methods and build on the foundations you gained through Study Skills for Social Scientists in Year 1.
You learn why researchers use particular research methods to investigate specific social issues and how to evaluate methodological decisions. You also develop a sound understanding of ethical and practical issues in research. And you take part in practical activities to develop your skills in designing, conducting and analysing research.
Social Theory, Policy and Practice
You study a range of classical and contemporary social theories to understand the development and progression of various theoretical frameworks in their social, cultural and political contexts.
This is a 20-credit module.
Year 3 core modules
This module introduces students to a range of critical perspectives on social policy. A critical examination of social policy will demonstrate the transformation of UK governance over the last four decades. This module offers a critical historical overview of transformations since the neoliberal turn in the 1980s. This historical perspective contextualises the current policy landscape which frames much of the module - austerity, welfare reform and privatisation. The post-crash landscape of UK policy provides a rich field of analysis and demonstrates the impact of government legislation of inequality, communities and individuals.
Investigate the wants, needs and desires of the public, developing key skills used by social researchers to test solutions to specific problems. Analyse the role of evaluation in public sector interventions in the UK and investigate successes in policy or practice.
Theories and Methods for Social Research
Explore the core foundations of social research and data collection, examining the relationship between philosophy, theory and social research. Learn how to conceptualise and design social research, formulating research problems and questions.
You also further your understanding of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, and examine core research methods considering theory, practice and ethics.
Year 4 core modules
Gain a solid understanding of quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques and register with the UK Data Service to explore the range of data available. There is a focus on quantitative analysis using SPSS as a tool to conduct exploratory and inferential statistical analysis. Explore key qualitative data analysis techniques and relevant software, and consider visualising and representing data to develop interpretations of findings.
Current Issues in Social Research
Explore contemporary developments in social research, developing detailed analyses of issues at the forefront of critical social analysis. Draw on theoretical and conceptual knowledge to inform real-world impact, exploring topics such as social policy, feminism and migration.
Project Management and Research
Prepare for your end point assessment, selecting a research project that highlights either a specific issue, a recurring problem or another idea or opportunity. You are introduced to key skills to help you project manage, alongside skills in research, analysis and evaluation.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
This course is designed and delivered in partnership with employers. Taught by academics and practitioners, it aims to produce graduates who possess a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of social research and a range of practical, professional and transferable skills.
The learning and teaching strategy encourages a progressive development of social research, knowledge and skills, moving towards study methods with more independence and self-direction.
How you are assessed
Assessments reflect workplace requirements, drawing on real-world scenarios and workplace projects. Formative assessments allow the apprentice to receive feedback on their work in progress and identify areas for improvement. Support is provided throughout to ensure they can apply their learning to real-world scenarios.
Regular progress meetings are held between the apprentice, University staff and line managers to assess their progress and ensure they are on track.
Formal assessments include presentations, executive summaries, work-based projects and a comprehensive report illustrating the influence of social policy on their work.
At the end of the course the apprentice completes a formal end-point assessment which consists of two assessments.
The first is a pass/fail/distinction with two components:
- 6,000-word written project report
- 60-minute presentation with questions and answers (20 minutes for presentation, 40 minutes for Q&A).
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To be accepted on to a degree apprenticeship course you must have support from your employer and meet the course entry requirements.
The apprentice must be employed by an external organisation (usually within the public or third sector) and meet the following entry criteria (adapted from the government’s requirements):
- 96 points
- five GCSEs (including Maths at grade C (4) or above and English Language at C (4) or above) or equivalent.
- why they are interested in the apprenticeship
- how they will keep track of their performance
- how they will balance work and study.
You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL
Employability
Career opportunities
